What are the advantages of using synthetic fibers?
Size for size, it is 1.7 to nearly 6 times as strong and lasts 5 times as long. On a strength for strength basis, a synthetic fiber line of less than half the size of a manila line is required for the same task. For these reasons, synthetic fiber is cheaper in the long run, even if its initial price is more. Because synthetic fiber does not rot or age as does natural fiber line, its strength is more stable throughout its life. It is less bulky, more flexible and, therefore, easier to handle and requires less stowage space. The advantages of synthetic or man-made fibres in papermaking can be summarized as follows: Whereas natural cellulose fibres vary considerably in size and shape, synthetic fibres can be made uniform and of selected length and diameter. Long fibres, for example, are necessary in producing strong, durable papers.
